New Brooks Co. Superintendent makes history

Before his friends, family, and colleagues, Owen Clemons was sworn into office today as the new superintendent for the Brooks County School System.

His loved ones cheered as they witnessed history being made. Clemons is the first African American to become the superintendent in Brooks County.

"My father was actually a history maker in the Lowndes County public school system. He was actually the first African American to run for the Lowndes County School Board. So history has been throughout our family," said Clemons.

And there was no shortage of support here - with 11 other siblings, his older brother Abraham says this is a proud family moment. "I'm very proud of him, and I know my parents would be very proud of him if they were here today."

Clemons has been with the Brooks County School System for more than 20 years. And with the recent decision by the Brooks County School Board to take School Resource Officers out of the schools, he wants parents to rest assured, there will be some form of security back in the schools by fall.

"We will have security. So parents can rest at ease because that is something we will have in our system," said Clemons.

Clemons says it has not been decided if the security will come from the Brooks County Sheriff's Office or an outside agency.

Clemons was the sole finalist for the position after serving as interim superintendent when former superintendent Debra Folsom retired.

WALB's First Alert Weather Team declared a First Alert Weather Day for Monday as severe weather headed to Southwest Georgia. As of 9:30 p.m., the risk of severe weather moved out of out of the area for the rest of Monday.

WALB's First Alert Weather Team declared a First Alert Weather Day for Monday as severe weather headed to Southwest Georgia. As of 9:30 p.m., the risk of severe weather moved out of out of the area for the rest of Monday.